A team of dedicated amateur cyclists from Walters set out to raise an ambitious £10,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust by cycling 130 miles from Birmingham Children”s Hospital ” to Cardiff University Hospital, where the Trust has a dedicated treatment and support unit.
The 20-strong team started pedalling the Walters Wheelies TCT UNITed Challenge at 8:00am on Friday the 18th May, stopping mid-way for an overnight rest and completing the arduous journey on Saturday evening (19th). For some finishing itself was a major triumph, having never attempted any such distance on two wheels, sponsored or otherwise.
Corporate support was provided by Euro Commercials and Sinclair Group, who provided the necessary transport and back-up on the road, and PPE Specialist UVEX, who supplied helmets and re-hydration bladders for the journey.
Why Teenage Cancer Trust
Around seven young people (aged 13-24) are diagnosed with cancer every day. Teenage Cancer Trust provides expert treatment and support, right from the moment patients hear the word “cancer” and are the only charity dedicated to this particularly vulnerable age group.
Walters recognise that teenage years are challenging for young people without any illnesses, and pledged to offer as much support and help to those who have to face the ordeal of cancer, as well as the challenges of adolescence. They are no longer children yet not quite adults, so need quite specific care and considerable emotional support, in an environment that understands teenage issues.
Walters decided to partner with the Trust last year and set themselves an ambitious target of raising £20,000 by the end of the first 12 months.
Debbie Jones, Teenage Cancer Trust fundraising manager for South Wales said, “We”re very grateful for the continued support from everyone at Walters. They”ve set themselves an incredible target to enable us to continue to support Teenagers and Young Adults with cancer in South Wales. We”re funded entirely by voluntary donations, so our incredible supporters like the team at Walters are vital to help us to continue our work. By reaching their target Walter could help us to fund more than 660 hours of specialist nursing care at our specialist Teenage Cancer Trust unit in Cardiff. Thank you #TeamWalters for helping us to get a step closer to our aim of being there for every young person with cancer in South Wales”
Anyone is more than welcome to support Walters Wheelies TCT UNITed by visiting the Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/walters-cycle-challenge